Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: Crystal

Episode 1

By Rebecca

The day has finally come. The first episode of Toei Animation’s re-boot of the Sailor Moon anime has been released. It’s available right now on Crunchyroll, though us cheapos (non-subscribers) will have to wait a week to see it there. Alternatively, we can all watch on NicoNico! It will be available there for the next two weeks. Now you know at least two places you can find it, go forth and watch. Or you can read a few of my thoughts first. Spoilers? Maybe  (is it even possible to spoil Sailor Moon?)

This seems crazy but there might be some out there for whom the re-boot is their first experience of Sailor Moon. Who is she? What’s it all about? She’s Usagi Tsukino, a 14 year-old school student by day and Sailor Moon, a magical girl by night. Her first mission is pretty straight forward:

Like the manga, and the original anime, the first episode revolves around Usagi meeting her guide, the talking cat, Luna. Luna shows Usagi how to use her powers and transform into the magical girl, Sailor Moon (a name which she seems to come up with on the spot). We get a glimpse of the enemy, whose diabolical plan it is to create a zombie force via the power of discount jewellery. We meet the mysterious Tuxedo Mask, who doesn’t really seem all that mysterious.

"Hmm does he look kinda like the guy I met earlier today?"

And we get our first look at someone who could be an ally. (Alright, it’s Sailor Mercury – surprise).

I’m  pretty pleased with this re-boot. It’s following the manga really closely, and my understanding is that it’ll continue to do so throughout the series. If you’ve only watched the original, American released anime, you’re in for some changes. I like the new animation. It’s prettier, brighter, and I don’t mind that the characters are more angular and thinner (who knew Sailor Moon could be drawn any thinner?). For comparison, here’s the original manga cover art with the original anime, and the re-released manga art with the re-boot anime.

The new opening song is pretty damn catchy too. And the lyrics are very Sailor Moon:

Ah, girls won’t surrender their pride either

They won’t give up their Destiny to a Prince

They have the will to fight for themselves

...

We’re not just frail weaklings who just need to be protected

...

A New Legend will begin, right here, right now

Pretty Guardian SAILOR MOON

If you’re a fan of the manga or the old anime, check out Sailor Moon: Crystal. If you’ve never seen the show before but are intrigued by the above, give it a chance!

(Oh man. I just realised all the new merchandise that’ll be out now... cha-ching! I’ve got some online shopping to do.)